[spk7951]

For what will be my 1,000th post I thought I would share a short story about something near and dear to my heart, that being my wonderful wife and her cancer fight along with a recent rather profound comment from one of her doctors.

Barb was diagnosed in 2005 at the age of 49 with Multiple Myeloma which is a rare cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. At that time the only treatment was a stem cell transplant. Later that year she had a successful transplant. Since the long term prognosis was bleak we quickly decided to figure out how to retire as soon as possible. In July 2008 we were able to retire and move from CT to The Villages. Doctors had told us the odds were against making 5yrs of being cancer free. So when she reached that 5yr mark, which corresponded with her 55th birthday, and she was still clean some 70 or so friends and family got together and threw a surprise party for her in TV. Unfortunately 6yrs and 3 months after the transplant we got the news we knew would come one day, the cancer was active again. But this time things were different as now the doctors talked about treatment options and another transplant was now a last resort. Her local oncologist along with a specialist in Gainesville and her transplant doctors at Yale decided to use Revlimid to fight the cancer. While the medicine has had some expected side effects that have caused some lifestyle changes, notably she had to give up volunteering for Happy Horse Rescue, it is working. So for the last 16 months the monthly tests have now been changed to quarterly tests because as the doctors have said "there is no progression of the cancer cells". The fight goes on and Barb goes on with her lifestyle here in TV which she enjoys probably more than anything and I have long said is a big reason for her health. Which brings me to the profound statement made this past week by one of her doctors at Yale. After looking at Barb's latest test results and having me show both doctors the three web cameras at our town squares, via iPad, one of them said "continue with this medication and continue with your Florida lifestyle, both are working for you". Indeed they are.


For those of you also in this "fight" we wish you the best and we pray for a cure for all cancers.

[ajbrown]

What a great post for number 1000. Cancer is something that touches so many of us either directly or indirectly, it is heartwarming to read stories like yours. I wish you and your family all the best.

[gomoho]

What a beautiful story - congratulations on your 1000th post - you certainly made it memorable. Also congratulations on Barb's battle against cancer which will allow her
to continue to "live the lifestyle". Best wishes to the both of you.

[quirky3]

I'm so glad your life has been fulfilling, and your choices have brought you both health and happiness

[gerryann]

Congratulations to you both!! Continue to live and love your life here in TV!!!

[glgene]

What a heart-warming story! Maintain the optimism, smiles and sharing here with your TV friends.

[Schaumburger]

What an uplifting post. Best wishes to both you and Barb, and I hope you are both able to enjoy many years in The Villages.

[ilovetv]

This is absolutely wonderful news. I think people sometimes forget the power of an uplifted spirit when battling a disease like this.

Congratulations and keep your eye on the goal!

[zcaveman]

Great news!! Thanks for sharing.

Z

[graciegirl]

Thank you for telling us this. What a gift to hold close to our hearts.

My most sincere wishes for both of you for your continued good health and happiness.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Beautiful post.

[asianthree]

its nice to have such a special time for your 1000 post

[carm310]

Awesome and inspiring post!

[blue72]

ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!!!
Great post and my very best wishes to you both!!!!

[chevy]

:For what will be my 1,000th post I thought I would share a short story about something near and dear to my heart, that being my wonderful wife and her cancer fight along with a recent rather profound comment from one of her doctors.

Barb was diagnosed in 2005 at the age of 49 with Multiple Myeloma which is a rare cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. At that time the only treatment was a stem cell transplant. Later that year she had a successful transplant. Since the long term prognosis was bleak we quickly decided to figure out how to retire as soon as possible. In July 2008 we were able to retire and move from CT to The Villages. Doctors had told us the odds were against making 5yrs of being cancer free. So when she reached that 5yr mark, which corresponded with her 55th birthday, and she was still clean some 70 or so friends and family got together and threw a surprise party for her in TV. Unfortunately 6yrs and 3 months after the transplant we got the news we knew would come one day, the cancer was active again. But this time things were different as now the doctors talked about treatment options and another transplant was now a last resort. Her local oncologist along with a specialist in Gainesville and her transplant doctors at Yale decided to use Revlimid to fight the cancer. While the medicine has had some expected side effects that have caused some lifestyle changes, notably she had to give up volunteering for Happy Horse Rescue, it is working. So for the last 16 months the monthly tests have now been changed to quarterly tests because as the doctors have said "there is no progression of the cancer cells". The fight goes on and Barb goes on with her lifestyle here in TV which she enjoys probably more than anything and I have long said is a big reason for her health. Which brings me to the profound statement made this past week by one of her doctors at Yale. After looking at Barb's latest test results and having me show both doctors the three web cameras at our town squares, via iPad, one of them said "continue with this medication and continue with your Florida lifestyle, both are working for you". Indeed they are.


For those of you also in this "fight" we wish you the best and we pray for a cure for all cancers.[/QUOTE]

I was just diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in april of 2013 .I go to the Florida cancer center .I am on Revlimd .So far i am not sure hoe it is doing.I will find out in june.I feel good,But have lots of back stiffness